In an era of rising costs across nearly every sector, budget-conscious consumers are turning to affordable beauty brands that promise performance rivaling luxury counterparts. According to a recent roundup on E! Online, NYX Cosmetics has emerged as a standout, with several products earning rave reviews from thousands of users who claim they outperform high-end alternatives from brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Urban Decay, and Dior. These dupes, starting at just $6, are backed by over 400,000 five-star ratings across various items, highlighting a growing trend in accessible makeup that doesn't compromise on quality.
The article, published on E! Online's news section, spotlights how NYX's offerings are not only cost-effective but often preferred for their longevity and finish in real-world conditions. Shoppers, many of whom shared their experiences on platforms like Amazon and Ulta, emphasized the value in a market where premium products can cost five to ten times more. For instance, one reviewer praised the NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Peekaboo Neutral as a direct alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk liner, noting its creamy, smudge-proof application and similar pinky-nude shade.
"This liner (Peekaboo Neutral) is the same color as, and similar quality to my Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lip liner. It’s $5 as opposed to $25 for the Tilbury. Saved me $20, gotta love it!!"
This comment, part of more than 48,900 five-star reviews, underscores the financial appeal, especially as inflation has pushed average beauty spending higher in recent years. Economic data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that personal care product prices rose by about 5% in 2023, making such alternatives particularly timely.
Moving to face powders, the NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder has drawn comparisons to Makeup Forever's HD setting powder, which retails for $44. Reviewers describe the NYX version, priced under $10, as finely milled and effective at absorbing oil for a matte finish. A hospital kitchen worker shared a particularly vivid testimonial about its durability in humid, high-heat environments.
"I was running out of my small pot of Makeup Forever HD powder. I bought this due to reviews, and DAYUM! I'm pretty sure this NYX powder is BETTER than the expensive brand. I work in a hot, humid hospital kitchen, wearing masks 7.5/8 hours. I'm a sweaty girl. When I get home and look in the mirror- my makeup is STILL fresh and matte. I cannot believe HOW great this stuff is."
With 17,200 five-star ratings, this product exemplifies how everyday users are testing and endorsing drugstore options against luxury ones, often in demanding professional settings.
Lip care enthusiasts have similarly lauded the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip, a viral under-$10 lip oil infused with squalane and raspberry seed oil for hydration and shine. It's frequently pitted against Dior's Addict Lip Glow oil and Fenty Beauty's gloss bombs, with users appreciating its non-sticky formula. One TikTok-influenced reviewer, who owns the Dior product, admitted the NYX version holds its own.
"The lip oil trend has fully saturated my tik tok feed. So I was anxious to test and compare this Dior dupe. I also own the Dior Lip Oil and tbh NYX is giving them a run for their money. This lip oil does its job for a fraction of the price."
Boasting 23,400 five-star reviews, this item reflects the influence of social media on beauty trends, where platforms like TikTok have amplified dupe discussions since 2020.
For makeup longevity, the NYX Makeup Setting Spray is hailed as a solid match for Urban Decay's All Nighter, a staple in many routines. Priced affordably, it reportedly prevents shine and extends wear, particularly for those with oily skin. A user with experience in multiple high-end sprays shared their satisfaction.
"This is such a good setting spray for those who have oily skin, like myself. I tend to get oily throughout the day in my t-zone & ever since I started using this, my oily skin is less noticeable. This also makes my makeup last a lot longer. I can get a full day in & still look just as good as when I first applied my make up. The price of this stuff is so amazing too. I've tried a lot of more pricey setting sprays & I honestly feel like this one is just as good. I would say this is a good dupe for the Urban Decay all nighter spray!"
At 117,300 five-star ratings, it's the most reviewed item in the roundup, suggesting widespread adoption among budget-savvy makeup lovers.
Brow products also feature prominently, with the NYX Micro Brow Pencil drawing parallels to Anastasia Beverly Hills' Brow Whiz, which costs around $26. The NYX pencil, at half the price, offers a precise tip for natural shaping that lasts all day. Reviewers report receiving compliments, indicating real-world efficacy.
"Nyx brow pencil is a total dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz. I was paying $26 a pen and I made the switch to nyx and I won’t go back! It lasts all day, has a natural look, and y’all I get compliments on my brows EVERY DAY!! If you’re looking for a cheaper solid option, look no further!! You found it!!"
With 70,300 five-star ratings, this tool appeals to those seeking effortless, long-wear brows without the premium price tag.
Eyeliner fans have found a contender in the NYX Epic Wear Liner Sticks, which users say surpasses Stila's Stay All Day in pigment and staying power. The fine felt tip aids in creating sharp wings, and its pitch-black hue resists smudging even longer than the waterproof Stila option, according to long-time users.
"I didn’t think I would love it and just bought this eyeliner because I wanted to try an alternative to Stila, which I’ve been using for over 8 years. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised and loved the pigment. It’s pitch black. It honestly stayed on longer than Stila’s waterproof eyeliner ever does."
103,700 five-star reviews affirm its popularity, especially among those tired of repurchasing pricier liners.
Concealer seekers are turning to the NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum, which rivals Nars' Creamy Radiant concealer in blendability and coverage. Infused with cica and green tea for skin benefits, it avoids creasing and cakiness that plague some luxury formulas. A reviewer frustrated with high-end options called it superior.
"ive tried expensive trendy concealers like nars and they all crease on me or look cakey. this is simply the best concealer and the price is unbeatable for what you get. it blends beautifully and seamlessly and it does not crease and lasts sooo long."
11,600 five-star ratings highlight its appeal for natural, long-lasting coverage at a fraction of the cost.
Brow gels round out the list with the NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel, which delivers a laminated look akin to Benefit, Glossier, and Anastasia products. Available in clear and tinted shades, it's praised for superior hold. One comprehensive tester declared it the best across price points.
"I’ve tried just about every eyebrow gel on the market from high end to drugstore. This is not only a dupe for Benefit brow gel and Glossier Boy Brow, it’s better! So much better and way cheaper."
34,500 five-star reviews position it as a versatile essential for defined arches.
Lip innovations continue with the NYX Fat Oil Slick Click, a hybrid gloss-balm compared to Tarte's Maracuja Juicy Lips. Featuring avocado and cloudberry for hydration, it's less sticky and offers pretty colors, though it may require more reapplication. Enthusiasts prefer its feel.
"These stick-click balm lip oils feel amazing on the lips! I would even go so far as to say they are a dupe for the Tarte Juicy lip vinyl, but I like the Nyx one better. You might need to reapply more often than Tarte, but it's less sticky on the lips. The colors are so pretty that I went back and bought more. Seriously, you need to have these!"
With 5,000 five-star ratings, it's gaining traction on TikTok for its shine and moisture.
Finally, the NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint mirrors Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch liquid blushes in pigmentation and longevity. Its lightweight, buildable formula with a doe-foot applicator provides a dewy, second-skin finish. Users note its efficiency, as a little goes a long way.
"This blush is a great dupe for the Rare Beauty liquid blush. It is a beautiful color with tons of pigment that blends like a dream. There is an angled doe foot applicator that makes it so easy to apply. This product will last forever, a little goes a long way."
1,700 five-star reviews, though fewer than others, indicate strong early buzz for this cheek product.
E! Online's editorial team, which independently researches and reviews based on customer feedback and expert input, emphasizes that these selections aim to simplify shopping for value-driven consumers. The outlet notes that pricing and availability were accurate as of the article's publication, with products sold through retailers like Ulta and Amazon. This coverage aligns with broader industry shifts, as a 2023 report from Nielsen showed drugstore beauty sales surging 12% amid economic pressures, outpacing luxury growth.
Looking ahead, the dupe phenomenon shows no signs of slowing, fueled by social media and economic realities. Beauty insiders predict more brands like NYX will innovate to capture the mass market, potentially pressuring high-end labels to adjust pricing or formulations. For now, reviewers' endorsements suggest that flawless makeup need not come with a hefty price tag, offering relief to wallets stretched thin by ongoing inflation.